A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the prostate gland. It is most commonly performed for prostate cancer, but may also be used in severe benign prostate enlargement or complications such as recurrent urinary retention.
Advances in minimally invasive and robotic surgery have made prostatectomy safer, more precise, and associated with better functional outcomes.
Bangkok is a leading destination for prostatectomy due to expert urologists, modern hospitals, and treatments that match international standards.
This guide explains when prostatectomy is needed, how the surgery works, what recovery looks like, expected outcomes, and the risks to consider.
What Is a Prostatectomy?
A prostatectomy is the partial or complete removal of the prostate gland, depending on the condition being treated.
Types of Prostatectomy
Radical Prostatectomy Removal of the entire prostate + seminal vesicles — performed for localized prostate cancer.
Simple (Open or Robotic) Prostatectomy Removal of the inner part of the prostate — performed for very large BPH glands (>80–100g).
Laparoscopic or Robotic-Assisted Prostatectomy Minimally invasive, offering shorter recovery and lower complication rates.
Perineal Prostatectomy (Less Common) Performed through the perineum; used selectively.
The most common modern approach is robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for cancer treatment.
Who Needs a Prostatectomy?
A prostatectomy is recommended for men who have:
Localized prostate cancer suitable for surgical removal
High-risk or intermediate-risk cancer where surgery is preferred
Failed radiation or hormone therapy (salvage prostatectomy)
Severe BPH with very large prostate volume
Chronic urinary retention not responding to other treatments
Bladder stones or recurrent infections caused by prostate enlargement
Not every man with prostate disease requires surgery; treatment decisions should be personalized.
Benefits of Prostatectomy
1. Effective Cancer Treatment
Radical prostatectomy can completely remove localized prostate cancer.
2. Prevention of Cancer Spread
Removes tissue before metastasis in eligible patients.
3. Improved Urinary Function (Simple Prostatectomy)
For large BPH, surgery relieves obstruction and improves flow.
4. Clear Pathological Diagnosis
Provides exact cancer staging after gland removal.
5. Long-Term Outcomes
Excellent survival rates when performed early.
6. Minimally Invasive Options
Robotic techniques allow for faster recovery.
The Prostatectomy Procedure
1. Pre-Surgical Evaluation
PSA test
MRI or CT imaging
Biopsy results (for cancer)
Urinary flow and prostate volume assessment
General health evaluation
Planning for nerve-sparing or non-nerve-sparing procedure
2. Surgery (2–4 hours)
Performed under general anesthesia.
Radical Prostatectomy Steps:
Incisions (either robotic, laparoscopic, or open)
Prostate gland separated from surrounding structures
Removal of prostate + seminal vesicles
Nerve-sparing approach when possible
Reconstruction and bladder-to-urethra reconnection
Placement of urinary catheter
Simple Prostatectomy Steps:
Incision or robotic access
Removal of inner obstructing prostate tissue
Preservation of outer capsule
Bleeding control, catheter placement
Patients may stay 1–3 nights depending on the method used.
3. Immediately After Surgery
Catheter stays in place for 7–14 days
Pain and discomfort controlled with medication
Early walking encouraged
Recovery Timeline
Week 1–2:
Catheter present
Manageable discomfort
Light walking encouraged
Week 3–4:
Catheter removed
Return to normal light activities
Week 4–6:
Improved urinary flow and control
Resume driving and light work
Week 6–12:
Pelvic-floor exercises improve continence
Gradual improvement in sexual function
3–12 months:
Erectile function recovery varies (depends on nerve-sparing approach)
Expected Results
For Cancer Patients:
Excellent long-term survival
Clear margins in early-stage disease
PSA becomes undetectable post-surgery
For BPH Patients:
Dramatic improvement in urinary flow
Relief from retention and frequency
Long-lasting symptom relief
Risks and Complications
Potential risks include:
Urinary incontinence (usually temporary)
Erectile dysfunction (varies by nerve-sparing technique)
Bleeding
Infection
Scarring at bladder neck
Lymphocele (if lymph nodes removed)
Hernia development at incision site
Modern robotic surgery minimizes many of these risks.
Why Men Choose Bangkok for Prostatectomy
Experienced urologic surgeons
State-of-the-art robotic systems (Da Vinci Xi)
Lower cost than US/EU hospitals
Short waiting times
High-quality cancer and BPH care
Privacy and international patient experience
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will I be incontinent after surgery?
Some temporary leakage is common, but most men improve over weeks to months.
Can prostatectomy cure cancer?
Yes — when performed early and with clear margins.
When can I have sex again?
Usually after 6–8 weeks, but erectile recovery varies.
How long is hospital stay?
Typically 1–3 nights.
Does robotic surgery improve results?
Yes — less bleeding, faster recovery, and better nerve preservation.
Key Takeaways
Prostatectomy is a key treatment for prostate cancer and severe BPH.
Robotic-assisted approaches offer excellent precision and outcomes.
Recovery varies but continence and erectile function improve with time.
Bangkok provides world-class prostate surgery at lower cost.
Menscape connects patients to expert surgeons and follow-up care.
📩 Considering prostatectomy? Book a confidential consultation at Menscape Bangkok for a full evaluation of your treatment options.
